I really enjoyed this series and saved all 3 to watch in a oner. I must admit the last episode really put a lump in my throat and made me feel really sorry for all parties (well most Lol) I felt sorry for Eric and could understand why he did what he did for his son. I felt sorry for Mark throughout the series and even hoped that he would end up being a counsellor in the prison and really thought that he would end up having a relationship with. Marie-Rose (they didn't Lol). The whole series was handled very well and wasn't all fluff and/or violence. It actually seemed believable and that what happened could actually have happened in real life. I loved how he helped some of the other inmates and didn't do the job for. Jackson and got beaten up for it but luckily the inmate he was teaching to read and write stopped him from getting too hurt. The ending (a year after he got out) brought a lump to my throat when he met with the wife of the man that he killed. I thought the ending was handled very well where she said she couldn't forgive him yet but to write a letter again and she would try. It was also good to hear that he had stayed off alcohol and was alcohol free. TBH I hope I never break the law and end up in prison as I can't see how I would cope and would be even more scared and a wimp than Mark (Sean Bean) and so dread to think what would happen to me inside. The whole 3 episodes were handled so well and kept you hooked all the way through. It was a brilliant series and ALL the actors were fantastic and belevable.
6 Reviews
A tremendous final episode.
Sleepin_Dragon2 July 2021
This seriously high quality series comes to a conclusion with a superb finale, it had me captivated from start to finish.
It seems to set out to challenge your opinions, prejudices and ideas on criminals, can someone go in to Prison a bad person, and come out good, surely, but the same is also true of the reverse.
It shows the two ways a criminal can go, things can take the path of Mark's journey, or Daniel's. Jimmy McGovern always makes you think, and does have you wondering about Prisons.
The acting once again is superb, I will be stunned if awards don't follow for McGovern, Bean and Graham.
It once again highlights that we need more from the BBC like this, and more from McGovern. 10/10.
It seems to set out to challenge your opinions, prejudices and ideas on criminals, can someone go in to Prison a bad person, and come out good, surely, but the same is also true of the reverse.
It shows the two ways a criminal can go, things can take the path of Mark's journey, or Daniel's. Jimmy McGovern always makes you think, and does have you wondering about Prisons.
The acting once again is superb, I will be stunned if awards don't follow for McGovern, Bean and Graham.
It once again highlights that we need more from the BBC like this, and more from McGovern. 10/10.
Free bird
xmasdaybaby19669 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A powerful ending to the series with Mark looking to atone for his sins and standing up for himself with a little help.
Eric finds himself in trouble.
As one person leaves prison, another enters.
A strong script and well executed by a great cast made up of quality actors but characters you can believe in.
The closing scene did it for me.
I suppose there could be another series but this was good enough to be left here.
Eric finds himself in trouble.
As one person leaves prison, another enters.
A strong script and well executed by a great cast made up of quality actors but characters you can believe in.
The closing scene did it for me.
I suppose there could be another series but this was good enough to be left here.
I can't forgive you but I promise that I'll keep on trying
richiehodev7 January 2023
Sean Bean and Stephen Graham takes this Jimmy McGovern series to exceptional heights with their impeccable and nuanced performances It's a common day story that explores the depth of grief, atonement, and making sacrifices. Both men are masterful in their portrayal of two characters who must deal with extremely challenging circumstances. McGovern offers a thought provoking and compelling view into the prison system, as inmates and guards alike are subjugated under its cruel and merciless justice.
Tender in its tone and introspective in its storytelling, the closing scene is a powerful reminder of the prolonged guilt and torment that inmates must carry with them even when they are released from the system. There is no happy ending to be found, and those who did time will continue to do time.
The most powerful scene of the episode is the last one, where Mark is sitting with the victim's family member. It breaks your heart to see what he has written in his letter to them; despite Mark being a teacher, his crimes has reduced him down so low that he literally cannot come up with the words to justify his actions.
He simply wrote: "I just want to say sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry"
In episode 2, he even said that can't even forgive himself. So if he can't, then how can anyone else?
"I can't forgive you but I promise that I'll keep on trying."
Tender in its tone and introspective in its storytelling, the closing scene is a powerful reminder of the prolonged guilt and torment that inmates must carry with them even when they are released from the system. There is no happy ending to be found, and those who did time will continue to do time.
The most powerful scene of the episode is the last one, where Mark is sitting with the victim's family member. It breaks your heart to see what he has written in his letter to them; despite Mark being a teacher, his crimes has reduced him down so low that he literally cannot come up with the words to justify his actions.
He simply wrote: "I just want to say sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry"
In episode 2, he even said that can't even forgive himself. So if he can't, then how can anyone else?
"I can't forgive you but I promise that I'll keep on trying."
Episode 3
Prismark1026 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I was surprised by Time. I thought it could easily been a polemic by Jimmy McGovern on the criminal justice system.
The first episode reminded me of elements of Scum.
By the end for Mark Cobden it was story of redemption. Trying to be a good man even if means getting a caning.
The caning included a beating with three billiard balls in a sock while the main prison gang leader Jackson Jones shouting break his bones. Jones was someone who was owed a favour. Mark refused to smuggle something in to prison when he went out for the day.
As for Eric McNally. He crossed the line by smuggling in drugs in order to save his son. He was caught by the classic sucker punch. The prison figured Eric must have done a deal as his son has not been threatened for some months.
There were issues raised. How much is prison about rehabilitation rather than punishment. Also the issues of drugs in prison.
A former cellmate of Mark. He is so ashamed of his crime, he is now lost to drugs.
The first episode reminded me of elements of Scum.
By the end for Mark Cobden it was story of redemption. Trying to be a good man even if means getting a caning.
The caning included a beating with three billiard balls in a sock while the main prison gang leader Jackson Jones shouting break his bones. Jones was someone who was owed a favour. Mark refused to smuggle something in to prison when he went out for the day.
As for Eric McNally. He crossed the line by smuggling in drugs in order to save his son. He was caught by the classic sucker punch. The prison figured Eric must have done a deal as his son has not been threatened for some months.
There were issues raised. How much is prison about rehabilitation rather than punishment. Also the issues of drugs in prison.
A former cellmate of Mark. He is so ashamed of his crime, he is now lost to drugs.
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